VOORHEES — Nolan Patrick’s name hasn’t been bandied about by the national media types recently, the ones who hype up young players and set the expectations.

A lot of that came a year or two ago leading up to the draft when, for almost a full year, Patrick was the assumed top pick. After falling into the Flyers’ lap at No. 2 when the team moved up 11 spots, Patrick didn’t get the typical top-pick treatment.

He wasn’t asked to save a franchise like Connor McDavid was for the Edmonton Oilers or Sidney Crosby for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Patrick wasn’t immediately made the top center like No. 1 pick Nico Hischier.

“Obviously, I didn’t play too much hockey last year with my injuries,” said Patrick, who played only 33 games last season between hernia and leg ailments. “I think it was nice not to be thrown right into the fire at that position. Obviously, they know how to handle young guys and obviously I believe in everything they’ve been doing.”

With 33 games left, the Flyers think Patrick is ready for more.

In the first practice after the All-Star break they put Jake Voracek on his left wing and kept Wayne Simmonds on his right. That’s a lot of fire power and the Flyers say he’s earned it.

“Probably the last dozen games I think Patty’s played pretty strong, two-way hockey,” coach Dave Hakstol said. “He’s making good things happen with the puck. He’s much more comfortable having the puck. I think that’s one of the biggest developments in his game. Early on as a young guy I thought there were times he was just trying to make a safe play and move the puck to somebody else.”

Offensively, the numbers haven’t been explosive for Patrick. In his last 29 games he has one goal and four assists while averaging 12:15 of ice time per game.

Teammates say they see the offensive instincts of the guy who racked up 102 points in 72 games two years ago and then added another 30 points in 21 playoff games.

“He’s a smart player. He’s got a great shot,” Voracek said. “When he’s had a chance, he hasn’t had enough breaks. He’s hit shoulder pads or something but it’s always close and a quick release. It’s hard to really judge a 19-year-old kid in the league. There’s not many McDavids, not many Crosbys, (Alexander) Ovechkins, you know what I mean? Even (Steven Stamkos) had about 50 points his first season, which is still very good, but everyone thought he was gonna score 40 goals his rookie year and he didn’t and then he broke out.”

Perhaps part of this experiment, which figures to make its debut Wednesday against the Washington Capitals, is about getting those numbers for Patrick.

Voracek leads the NHL in assists, so Patrick would be wise to keep his stick down and his head up to look for a pass.

“I’d like to make a little more of an impact than just that,” the rookie said with a smile. “He’s unbelievable with the puck, so strong and sees the ice as good as anyone. It should be fun.”

Two years ago, the Flyers tinkered with a line where Voracek was on the left wing and Simmonds on the right. The difference was that Claude Giroux was the center and the Flyers were in dire need of goals. Recently they’ve done well to spread the wealth.

Giroux won’t stay home

After All-Star weekend, the Flyers told Giroux to take the day off.

He didn’t listen. Instead, he showed up Monday and practiced with his teammates.

“What a knucklehead,” general manager Ron Hextall joked. “On one hand I kind of wish he’d stay away. On another hand it shows what he’s all about. It’s a credit to him. He’s a great professional. He loves to play hockey and obviously showed a lot of respect for his teammates, which is great. In saying that, there’s a part of me that wishes he would have stayed out and taken a day.”

“G wanted to be at practice. That’s who he is,” Hakstol added. “I’m sure a lot of guys have taken the day off, but he said he feels great and wanted to be out there with his teammates and that’s a good thing for our team.”

Loose pucks

Both Michal Neuvirth and Brian Elliott were absent from practice so the Flyers had to bring in an amateur goalie and a shooter tutor to fill the nets. Neuvirth has a stomach virus and the Flyers hope he can return to practice Tuesday. Elliott suffered a lower-body injury in Thursday’s morning skate and went on the ice Monday, but came off early as a precaution. “Well, I’m hoping both of them are able to play (Wednesday),” Hextall said. “We’ll see.” … Travis Sanheim was sent to the minors last week after not playing in nine of the Flyers’ last 10 games. “I saw him Friday night and he was good,” Hextall said. “Really good. It was like, ‘Ooh.’ He needed to go play. It’s day-to-day and we’ll see where it goes whether he stays there long-term or short-term.” … A Lehigh Valley Phantoms defender that’s not playing is Samuel Morin. He left the team’s outdoor game with an injury and Hextall said he still doesn’t know the timeline for the hulking blueliner, but he is feeling better.